Three set phrases with be talk about the future: be about to (very soon), be due to (scheduled) and be to (arranged or ordered). Each is followed by to and the base verb.
Always to + base verb: about to start, due to start, is to start · Be changes with the subject: I am, she is, they are · Past: I was about to call you.
B2
Be about to: very soon
New
Use be about to for something that will happen in the next moments. In the past it means you were just going to do something.
subject+be about to+base verb
Hurry up! The film is about to start.
I was about to call you when the phone rang.
The film is about starting.
The film is about to start.
Quick Check
1/4
Choose the form
Be quiet. The speaker begin.
is about to Very soon: is about to + base verb.
2/4
Type the answer
Hurry up! The film is about start.
3/4
Type the answer
One word is in the wrong form. Type the correct form.
The film is about to starts.
4/4
Put in order
Tap the words in the order of the sentence.
B2
Be due to: scheduled
New
Use be due to for something that is expected or planned at a certain time, such as trains, meetings and births.
subject+be due to+base verb
The train is due to arrive at six.
The new shop is due to open next month.
The train is due arrive at six.
The train is due to arrive at six.
Quick Check
1/4
Type the answer
The train is due arrive at six.
2/4
Choose the form
We meet the manager at ten.
are due to Be changes with the subject: we are due to.
3/4
Choose the form
The exam results out tomorrow.
are due to come Be due to + base verb.
4/4
Put in order
Tap the words in the order of the sentence.
B2
Be to: arrangements and orders
New
Use be to for a formal arrangement or an order. Negative: are not to means you must not.